Let's Talk Life - My son has problems learning

• My son has problems learning

Dear Counsellor:

My 10-year-old son is a struggling reader. He gets frustrated whenever he has to read. He also has problems with mathematics and spelling. I practise with him quite often, but this doesn't seem to be of much help.

- Maxine

Dear Maxine,

Learning problems are very common so you do not have to feel alone. Most commonly, learning problems are caused by a learning disorder, mental retardation, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There are other causes of learning problems. Get a psychological educational assessment of your son. This assessment will identify the most likely cause of the learning problems. You need to get a grade one class teacher to teach him to read.

He will learn phonics skills as well as sight words. Read to him and let him tell you stories that he has made up. He needs to get creative with his words and also write stories. There are many private schools that cater to children who have learning problems. Ask around for these schools.

Patience and tolerance are needed and you need to seek help from the professionals in the field. Try to focus on the strengths of your son. What extracurricular activity is your son involved in? He has talents and so you need to build on these. Your son may be a good athlete or a good cook. Talk to him a lot and encourage him to stick with the reading and the math.

• Is my mother suffering from dementia?

Dear Counsellor:

My elderly mother has become very forgetful. She has memories of the distant past but is very forgetful of recent events. She gets upset easily and seems depressed. I am wondering if she has dementia.

- Sonia

Dear Sonia,

Your mother may be having dementia. She needs to see her doctor, who will order some tests to determine the cause of the dementia. Vitamin deficiency, thyroid disorders, and brain tumours can cause dementia. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are risk factors for dementia.

Dementia is a progressive disorder and patients get worse with time. There are some medications which can slow the progression of the disorder. You will have to give her a diary to document her daily activities. This will help her keep track of her activities. She might get lost if she goes places alone or drives a motor car. The family needs to have a meeting as to the care of your mother.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.